Switch image control system and method

ABSTRACT

A switch image control system includes at least one first switch having a first image viewable when a backlighting is applied to the at least one first switch. The system also includes at least one second switch having a second image viewable when the backlighting is applied to the at least one second switch. The backlighting is independently applicable to either or both of the at least one first switch and the at least one second switch.

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/166,899, filed Apr. 6, 2009, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments herein generally relate to vehicle controlswitches, and more particularly relate to selectively illuminated imageson vehicle control switches.

Conventional vehicle control switches, such as audio and HVAC switches,typically have printed or etched text and/or icons thereon. The textand/or icons identify the function of the particular switch. The printedor etched text and/or icons are generally always visible if sufficientambient light is present within the vehicle cabin. Sometimes theprinting or etching is also backlightable for nighttime viewing inaddition to being viewable with ambient light during the daytime.

More recently, some vehicle manufacturers have been using “black-out”technology. Such technology allows an image to be viewable only when itis backlit. That is, the image is not viewable regardless of the amountof ambient or other light present. Rather, viewing of the image is onlypossible when backlighting of the image occurs.

Conventional uses of such black-out technology in vehicles includeproviding an indicator of the status or condition of a vehiclecomponent. For example, an OFF indicator is only viewable viabacklighting when an associated passenger airbag is disabled ornon-functional. Another vehicle manufacturer presently employs touchsensor switches on the driver's side door. These switches include imagesthat are only viewable upon backlighting. To actuate backlighting ofthese switches, which can be used to unlock the vehicle when apredetermined code is entered through the switches, the user swipes hisor her hand over the switches.

Still other others have been known to employ touch sensor switches foraudio and HVAC systems in vehicles that employ black-out technology. Forexample, one known control panel includes mode selector buttons that,when selected, change the operating mode of a control switch (e.g., toHVAC mode or audio mode). In addition, certain switches and displaysaround the control switch become visible on the control panelcorresponding to the selected selector button and its operating mode.Other switches and displays are not visible until their correspondingselector button (and mode) is selected.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect, a switch image control system is providedfor a vehicle including at least one first switch having a first imageviewable when a backlighting is applied to the at least one first switchand at least one second switch having a second image viewable when thebacklighting is applied to the at least one second switch. Thebacklighting is independently applicable to either or both of the atleast one first switch and the at least one second switch.

According to another aspect, a switch image control method is providedfor a vehicle. In the method according to this aspect, at least onefirst switch having a first image is provided. Also, at least one secondswitch having a second image is provided. One or both of the at leastone first switch and the at least one second switch are selectively andindependently backlit to illuminate the first image and/or the secondimage.

According to yet another aspect, a switch image control system isprovided for a vehicle. More particularly, in accordance with thisaspect, the system includes at least one first switch having a firstimage viewable when a backlighting is applied to the at least one firstswitch and at least one second switch having a second image viewablewhen the backlighting is applied to the at least one second switch. Thebacklighting is applied to one or both the at least one first switch andthe at least one second switch based on at least one operating conditionof the vehicle.

According to still yet another aspect, a switch image control system fora vehicle includes a first group of switches having first imagesviewable thereon when a backlighting is applied thereto and a secondgroup of switches having second images viewable thereon when thebacklighting is applied thereto. The first group of switches correspondsto a first vehicle sub-system and the second group of switchescorresponds to a second vehicle sub-system. The backlighting is appliedto one or both of the first group of switches and the second group ofswitches based on at least one of: an ignition state of the vehicle, anON or OFF state of a backup power supply of the vehicle, an ON or OFFstate of a lighting system of the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of anaudio system of the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of a HVAC system and anON or OFF state of a communication system of the vehicle.

According to a further aspect, a switch image control method is providedfor a vehicle. In the method according to this aspect, at least onefirst switch having a first image is provided and at least one secondswitch having a second image is provided. One or both of the at leastone first switch and the at least one second switch is selectively andindependently backlit to, respectively, illuminate the first image andilluminate the second image based on at least one operating condition ofthe vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a switch image control system for avehicle.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of two switches shown in a backlight OFF condition.

FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the same two switches shown in abacklight ON condition.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a switch image control system for an audiosystem and an HVAC system in a vehicle.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary control matrix for selectively and independentlybacklighting control switches of the HVAC system and audio system ofFIG. 3.

FIGS. 5A-5G show views of HVAC control switches and audio controlswitches corresponding to the control matrix of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a switch image control method for avehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposesof illustrating one or more exemplary embodiments, FIG. 1 schematicallyillustrates a switch image control system for a vehicle, the systemgenerally designated by reference numeral 10. The system 10 includes atleast one first switch (e.g., switch 12) having a first image 14viewable when a backlighting 20 is applied to the switch 12. The system10 further includes at least one second switch (e.g., switch 16) havinga second image 18 viewable when the backlighting 20 is applied to thesecond switch 16. Backlighting 20 can be independently applicable toeither or both of the at least one first switch 12 and the at least onesecond switch 16. In particular, the first and second switches 12, 16can employ black-out technology that allows the first image 14 to beviewable only when the backlighting 20 is applied to the first switch 12and likewise allows the second image 18 to be viewable only when thebacklighting 20 is applied to the second switch 16. In an exemplaryembodiment, as will be described in more detail below, the backlighting20 can be applied to one or both the first and second switches based onat least one operating condition of the vehicle.

The first and second images 14, 16 on the switches 12, 16 can becomprised of text and/or icons, which can be representative of thefunction of the switch. By using black-out technology, the first switch12 has a black-out appearance (i.e., the first image is not viewable)when the backlighting 20 is not applied to the first switch 12.Similarly, the second switch 16 has a black-out appearance (i.e., thesecond image 18 is not viewable) when the backlighting 20 is not appliedto the second switch 16. As will be described in more detail below,backlighting of the images on the switches can be used to indicate theactive status of the switches and/or the underlying devices or systemscorresponding to the switches.

With additional reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a pair of switches 112,116, which could be the first and second switches 12, 16, isillustrated. In FIG. 2A, the illustrated switches 112, 116 have ablack-out appearance and thus images of these switches 112, 116 are notviewable. As shown, the “black-out” appearance of the switches 112, 116(FIG. 2A) is a blank non-descriptive appearance. In FIG. 2B,backlighting for the illustrated switches 112, 116 is turned on and thusimages of the illustrated switches 112, 116 are viewable (e.g., “AM/FM”and “(((XM)))”). Ambient lighting, or lighting other than thebacklighting, has no effect on the viewability of the switches 112, 116.Accordingly, images of the switches 112, 116 cannot be seen with theprovision of ambient light absent backlighting.

Likewise, with reference back to FIG. 1, the first image 14 and thesecond image 18 are not visible with ambient lighting when thebacklighting 20 is not applied to the first switch 12 and the secondswitch 16. In addition to ambient lighting, the first image 14 and thesecond image 18 are not visible even with front side lighting (e.g.,vehicle cabin lighting, such as a dome light) when the backlighting 20is not applied to the first and second switches 12, 16. Only theapplication of the backlighting 20 to the switches 12, 16 enablesviewing of the respective images 14, 18 thereon.

In addition to providing a neat styling effect, backlighting of theimages 14 or 18 on the switches 12, 16 (or the absence thereof) can beused to provide further information to a vehicle user. Moreparticularly, in one embodiment, application of the backlighting 20 tothe first switch 12 can correspond with an operational status of thefirst switch 12. Likewise, application of the backlighting 20 to thesecond switch 16 can correspond to the operational status of the secondswitch 16. In contrast to conventional images provided on vehicleswitches, which allow images on the switches to be seen with ambientlight, the system 10 can use the backlighting or absence of backlighting(i.e., switch images turned on or off) to reflect the operational statusof the switches. In one embodiment, the operational status of the firstswitch 12 is active when the backlighting 20 is applied to the firstswitch 12 and the first image 14 is illuminated, and inactive when thebacklighting 20 is not applied to the first switch 12 and the firstimage 14 is blacked out. Similarly, the operational status of the secondswitch 16 can be active when the backlighting 20 is applied to thesecond switch 16 and the second image 18 is illuminated, and inactivewhen the backlighting 20 is not applied to the second switch 16 and thesecond image 18 is blacked-out.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first switch 12 can correspond to a firstvehicle sub-system 26 and the second switch 16 can correspond to asecond vehicle sub-system 28. As is known and understood by thoseskilled in the art, input from the first switch 12 (e.g., depression ofthe first switch) can be received or communicated to a sub-systemcontroller 30 of the first sub-system 26. Similarly, the second switch16 can be associated with a sub-system controller 32 of the secondsub-system 28 such that actuation of the second switch 16 (e.g., bydepression thereof) is communicated to the sub-system controller 32. Thebacklighting source 20 can be operatively connected to the switches 12,16 as schematically indicated at 34 and 36 such that backlighting of theswitches 12, 16 via the backlighting 20 is selectively and independentlycontrollable. In one embodiment, a backlighting controller 38 isincluded in the system 10 for controlling backlighting 20 to theswitches 12, 16. The backlighting controller 38 can be linked to thesub-system controllers 30, 32 of the sub-systems 26, 28, respectively,such that the backlighting controller 38 receives indications from thecontrollers 30, 32 as to when backlighting of the switches 12 and 16 isto be turned on and off.

The backlighting controller 38 can additionally receive status orcondition signals from other vehicle sub-systems, components, devices,etc., such as from the ignition state controller 40, particular vehiclelights or a lighting system 42 (e.g., small or parking lights, vehicleheadlights, etc.), or other vehicle components or systems 44 (e.g.,audio power button, hands-free call systems, etc.). This enables thebacklighting of one or both of the switches 12, 16 to be based on atleast one operating condition of the vehicle in which the switches 12,16 are employed. By way of example, the at least one operating conditionof the vehicle could be or correspond to any one or more of thefollowing: an ignition state vehicle (e.g., as determined by theignition state controller 40); an ON or OFF state of a backup or +Bpower supply of the vehicle; an ON or OFF state of a lighting system(e.g., parking lights, headlights, etc.) of the vehicle; an ON or OFFstate of an audio system of the vehicle; an ON or OFF state of a HVACsystem; and/or an ON or OFF state of a communication system (e.g., ahands free call system) of the vehicle.

The ignition state controller 40 can be a switch, push button or othercontrol mechanism for changing the ignition state of the vehicle. In oneexample (the illustrated embodiment), the controller 40 is a keyedignition switch having rotatable cylinder with a key slot 40 a forreceiving an ignition key (e.g., a conventional mechanical key or anelectronic key or key fob). Once inserted, the ignition state can bechanged by rotating the inserted key. The ignition states could include,for example, an off state, an accessory state (ACC), a run state (IG1)and a start state (IG2). An additional state could be a state whereinthe key is removed from the key slot 40 a when the ignition statecontroller 40 is configured to receive a key in the slot 40 a.

In an alternate embodiment, the key slot 40 a could be replaced with arotatable switch 40 a′ or other control device that is rotatable tovarious positions corresponding to ignition states of the vehicle andthus does not require insertion of a key. In another alternateembodiment, the ignition controller 40 could include a push button 40a″, such as the type employed in a push button start system. In thisembodiment, changing of the ignition states could be effected by pushingthe push button. For example, from an off state the button 40 a″ couldbe pressed one time to change the state to the accessory state and couldbe pressed again to start the vehicle and remain in a run state. A thirdpress of the push button 40 a″ could change the state back to the offstate. It is contemplated that other sequences, etc. could be used withthe push button 40 a″ to change the ignition states.

With reference to FIG. 3, one implementation of the above-describedsystem 10 is illustrated for a vehicle's HVAC system 26′ and audiosystem 28′. In FIG. 3, the at least one first switch is a first group ofswitches 12′ corresponding to a first vehicle sub-system, such as anHVAC system 26′. The at least one second switch is a second group ofswitches 16′ corresponding to another or second vehicle sub-system, suchas audio system 28′. As illustrated, the first group of switches 12′ caninclude a plurality of HVAC control switches 50 for controlling the HVACsystem 26′ through an HVAC system controller 30°. The second group ofswitches 16′ can include a plurality of audio control switches 52 thatcontrol the audio system 28′ through an audio system controller 32′.

Each of the switches 50 can have respective first images (e.g., firstimage 14) thereon that are viewable when backlighting 20 is applied tothe group of switches 12′ (see FIG. 5B for example). Similarly, each ofthe second group of switches 16′ can have respective second images(e.g., second image 18) thereon that are viewable when backlighting 20is applied to the second group of switches 16′ (See FIG. 5C forexample). As will be described in more detail below, the backlighting 20can be applied to one or both of said first group of switches 12′ andthe second group of switches 16′ based on at least one an ignition stateof the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of a+B or backup power supply 44 a ofthe vehicle, an ON or OFF state of a lighting system 42 (e.g., parkinglights, headlights, etc.) of the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of an audiosystem 28′ of the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of the HVAC system 26′,and/or an ON or OFF state of a communication system 44 b (e.g., a handsfree call system) of the vehicle.

Also in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, an audio power switch 54,which can comprise a third group 56, can have a third image thereon thatis viewable when backlighting 20 is applied to the audio power switch 54(See FIG. 5C for example). Like the groups 12′ and 16′, the backlighting20 can be applied to the audio power switch 54 based on at least one ofthe ignition state of the vehicle, the ON or OFF state of a+B or backuppower supply 44 a of the vehicle, the ON or OFF state of a lightingsystem 42 (e.g., parking lights, headlights, etc.) of the vehicle, theON or OFF state of an audio system 28′ of the vehicle, an ON or OFFstate of the HVAC system 26′, and/or the ON or OFF state of acommunication system 44 b (e.g., a hands free call system) of thevehicle.

Backlighting of the groups of switches 12′, 16′, 56 can be controlledvia backlighting controller 38. In particular, the controller 38 canindependently apply the backlighting 20 to any one or more of the groupof HVAC control switches 50, the group of audio control switches 52and/or the audio power switch 54. In addition, in the illustratedembodiment, a display panel 58 can be provided for displayinginformation associated with the audio system 28′ (See FIG. 5C forexample) and a display panel 60 can be provided for displayinginformation associated with the HVAC system 26′. The images on theswitches 50, 52, 54 are only viewable when backlighting is provided tothe groups 12′, 16′, 56 in which the switches are included. Absentbacklighting, the switches 50, 52, 54 have a black-out appearance (seeFIG. 2A) and thus images thereon are not visible even with ambientlighting or other front side lighting.

When the backlighting is based on the ignition state, the states couldinclude an off state, an accessory state, a start state and a run state.When used with a key-type ignition switch or a rotatable switch, thestates can correspond to key positions such as: removed from key slot 40a, inserted in the key slot 40 a and in the OFF position, inserted inthe key slot 40 a and in the ACC position, and inserted in the key slot40 a and in an ON position (e.g., the IG2 position, which can be thenormal engine running position). When used with a push button (e.g.,push button 40″) of a push button start system, the ignition states cancorrespond to depressions of the push button (e.g., a single depressionfor the accessory state, a second depression for starting and running ofthe vehicle, and a third depression to revert to the off state). In oneexemplary embodiment, the only states of concern are the ACC state andthe IG2 state, and backlighting is applied based on whether the ignitionswitch 40 is in one of these states. When the backlighting is based onthe ON or OFF state of a vehicle lighting system 42, the lighting system42 can be the vehicle's parking lights such that the backlighting isapplied to one or more of the groups 12′, 16′, 56 in which the switchesare included based on the ON or OFF state of the parking lights. As isknown by those skilled in the art, the vehicle can be configured suchthat the parking lights are always on when the vehicle's headlights areturned on. When the backlighting is based on the ON or OFF state of acommunication system 44 b of the vehicle, the communication system 44 bcan be a hands free call system of the vehicle such that thebacklighting is applied to one or more of the groups 12′, 16′, 56 inwhich the switches are included based on the ON or OFF state of thehands free call system.

Backlighting of the group 12′, 16′, 56 can also correspond to anoperational status of the groups of switches. For example, backlighting20 can be applied to the group 12′ only when the switches 50 are activeand functional. Likewise, backlighting 20 can be applied respectively tothe group 16′ or 56 only when the respective switches 52, 54 are activeand functional. Accordingly, backlighting of the groups 12′, 16′, 56,which can be done independently, can be used to indicate when switchesof the groups are active. Independent backlighting allows the groups ofswitches 12′, 16′, 56 to be turned on and off independently.

With reference to FIG. 4, one exemplary control matrix is illustratedfor the backlighting controller 38, though it is to be appreciated thatother control matrices could alternately be employed. In the illustratedcontrol matrix, the operating conditions of the vehicle upon which thebacklighting 20 is based include: the ON or OFF state of the backup or+B power supply 44 a, the ignition state of the ignition switch 40(particularly, whether the state is one of the ACC state or the IG2state), the ON or OFF state of the audio system 28′, the ON or OFF stateof a hands free call system 44 b, the ON or OFF state of the vehicle'sparking lights 42 and the ON or OFF state of the vehicle's HVAC system26′.

In the control matrix, the “+B” column 70 represents the backup functionor +B power supply 44 a of the vehicle. The “ACC” column 72 representsthe accessory state of the ignition switch 40. The “IG2” column 74represents the run state of the ignition switch 40. The “Audio Power”column 76 represents the state (i.e., ON or OFF) of the audio system 28′as controlled by the audio power button 54. The “HFL Mode” column 78represents the state of the hands-free call system 44 b. The “SMALL”column 80 represents the state of the vehicle's small or parking lights42, which can be used as an indication representing when the vehicle'sheadlights are turned on. The “Aircorn” column 82 represents the stateof the vehicle's HVAC system 26′, such as when that system 26′ is turnedon and is active, or off and inactive. The “VOLUME” column 84 representsthe state (i.e., backlighting on or backlighting off) of the audio powerbutton 54, which also serves to control volume of the audio system 28′.The “HVAC BUTTONS” column 86 represents the state (i.e., backlighting onor backlighting off) of the HVAC buttons 50 of group 12′ as controlledby the backlighting controller 38. The AUDIO BUTTONS″ column 88represents the state (i.e., backlighting on or backlighting off) of theaudio buttons 52 of group 16′.

As will be appreciated from the control matrix of FIG. 4, the HVACswitches 50 of the first group 12′ are active and thus backlit viabacklighting 20 at all times when the ignition switch 40 is in the runstate (i.e., IG2) as indicated in column 74. Such backlighting cancorrespond to a day or night state of the vehicle. For example, when thevehicle's headlights are turned OFF as indicated in column 80, a daybrightness setting can be applied, whereas when the headlights are ON, adimmer night brightness level can be applied. Sometimes per regulations,the HVAC switches 50, or more particularly the images thereon, arerequired to be visible whenever the vehicle headlights are on.Accordingly, anytime the vehicle's headlights are turned on as indicatedin column 80, the HVAC buttons 50 (i.e., group 12′) are turned on to oneof the day or night brightness settings.

As indicated in column 88, the audio power switch 54 is backlit andactive anytime the ignition switch 40 is set for the ACC state, which isindicated in column 72, or in the run state (i.e., IG2), which isindicated in column 74. Again, day and night brightness levels can beused corresponding to whether the vehicle's headlights are turned on oroff which is indicated in column 80. Additionally, the audio powerswitch 54 can be backlit and active even when the ignition switch 40 isset for the ACC state or in the run state (columns 72 and 74) if thehands-free call system 44 b is being used (e.g., a hands-free call is inprogress), which is indicated in column 78. The audio switches 52 ofgroup 16′ can be backlit and active whenever the ignition switch 40 isset for the ACC or run key states (columns 72 and 74) and the audiosystem 28′ is powered on, which is indicated in column 76.

Turning to FIG. 5, the various states of the groups 12′, 16′, and 56 areshown corresponding to the matrix table of FIG. 4. In particular, FIG.5A illustrates all switches 50, 52, 54 of the groups 12′, 16′, and 56turned off (i.e., no backlighting and thus black-out appearance). FIG.5B illustrates the condition wherein the ignition state of the ignitionswitch 40 is off (i.e., not in the ACC or run states), but theheadlights are turned on, thus the HVAC switches 50 of group 12′ arebacklit. FIG. 5C illustrates the condition where the ignition state ofthe ignition switch 40 is the ACC state, the audio system 28′ is turnedon, and the headlights are turned off as indicated by the parking lights42. As shown, in this condition, the switches 52 of group 16′ arebacklit and active. FIG. 5D illustrates the condition where the ignitionstate of the ignition switch 40 is in the ACC state, the audio system28′ is turned off, and the headlights are turned off; thus, none of thegroups 12′, 16′, 56 of switches 50, 52, 54 are backlit or active (i.e.,all are blacked-out). FIG. 5E illustrates the condition where theignition switch 40 is in the run position (i.e., IG2), the audio system28′ is turned off, and the headlights are on or off. As shown, in thiscondition, the switches 50 of group 12′ are backlit and active. FIG. 5Fillustrates the condition where the ignition state of the ignitionswitch 40 is the run state, the audio system 28′ is on, and theheadlights are turned on or off. In this condition, all groups 12′, 16′,56 of switches 52, 54 are backlit and active. FIG. 5G illustrates thecondition where the ignition state of the ignition switch 40 is the ACCposition, the audio system 28′ is on and the headlights are turned on.In this condition, all groups 12′, 16′, 56 of switches 52, 54 arebacklit and active.

According to the foregoing, and with reference to FIG. 6, a switch imagecontrol method for a vehicle will now be described. In the illustratedmethod, at least one first switch 12 (or the switches 50 of the firstgroup 12′) is provided having a first image 14 (S100) and at least onesecond switch 16 (or the switches 52 of the second group 16′) isprovided having a second image 18 (S102). The method can further includethe provision of a third switch (e.g., the audio power switch 54) havingthe third image thereon (S104). One or more of the first switch 12, thesecond switch 16 and the third switch 54 are selectively andindependently backlit to illuminate the images thereon based on at leastone operating condition of the vehicle (S106). As already described, theat least one operating condition can include one or more of: the stateof the ignition switch 40, the ON or OFF state of a+B or backup powersupply 44 a, the ON or OFF state of a lighting system 42 (e.g., parkinglights, headlights, etc.), the ON or OFF state of the audio system 28′,the ON or OFF state of the HVAC system 26′, and/or the ON or OFF stateof a communication system 44 b.

When no backlighting is applied to the first switch 12, the first image14 is blacked-out (S108). When no backlighting is applied to the secondswitch 16, the second image 18 is blacked-out (S110). Likewise, when nobacklighting is applied to the third switch 54, the third image isblacked-out (S112). Backlighting of the switches 12, 16, 54 toilluminate the respective first, second and third images (e.g., in S104)occurs only when the respective switches 12, 16, 54 are active. Suchbacklighting can be in accordance with the control matrix of FIG. 4.

It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternative thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Also thatvarious presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives,modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequentlymade by those skilled in the art which are also intended to beencompassed by the following claims.

1. A switch image control system for a vehicle, comprising: at least onefirst switch having a first image viewable when a backlighting isapplied to said at least one first switch; and at least one secondswitch having a second image viewable when said backlighting is appliedto said at least one second switch, said backlighting applied to one orboth said at least one first switch and said at least one second switchbased on at least one operating condition of the vehicle.
 2. The switchimage control system of claim 1 wherein said at least one operatingcondition corresponds to an ignition state of the vehicle.
 3. The switchimage control system of claim 2 wherein said ignition state is based onan ignition switch having a key slot and said state include one or moreof: removed from a key slot, inserted in said key slot and in an OFFposition, inserted in said key slot and in an ACC position, and insertedin said key slot and in an ON position.
 4. The switch image controlsystem of claim 2 wherein said ignition state includes an off state, anaccessory ON state and a run state.
 5. The switch image control systemof claim 4 wherein the ignition state is determined by a push button ofa push button start system.
 6. The switch image control system of claim3 wherein said at least one key position includes: being inserted insaid key slot and being in said ACC position, and being inserted in saidkey slot and being in said ON position, and wherein said backlighting isapplied to one or both said at least one first switch and said at leastone second switch based on whether a key is inserted in said key slotand said ignition switch is in said ACC position and based on whethersaid key is inserted in said key slot and said ignition switch is insaid ON position.
 7. The switch image control system of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one operating condition corresponds to an ON or OFF stateof a backup power supply of the vehicle.
 8. The switch image controlsystem of claim 1 wherein said at least one operating conditioncorresponds to an ON or OFF state of a lighting system of the vehicle.9. The switch image control system of claim 8 wherein said lightingsystem is parking lights of the vehicle, and wherein said backlightingis applied to one or both said at least one first switch and said atleast one second switch based on an ON or OFF state of said parkinglights.
 10. The switch image control system of claim 1 wherein said atleast one operating condition corresponds to an ON or OFF state of anaudio system of the vehicle or to an ON or OFF state of an HVAC systemof the vehicle.
 11. The switch image control system of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one operating condition corresponds to an ON or OFF stateof a communication system of the vehicle.
 12. The switch image controlsystem of claim 11 wherein said communication system is a hands freecall system of the vehicle, and wherein said backlighting is applied toone or both said at least one first switch and said at least one secondswitch based on an ON or OFF state of said hands free call system. 13.The switch image control system of claim 1 wherein said first image isviewable only when said backlighting is applied to said at least onefirst switch, otherwise said at least one first switch has a black-outappearance, and said second image is viewable only when saidbacklighting is applied to said at least one second switch, otherwisesaid at least one second switch has a black-out appearance.
 14. Theswitch image control system of claim 1 wherein said first image and saidsecond image are not visible with ambient lighting or front sidelighting when said backlighting is not applied to said at least onefirst switch and said at least one second switch.
 15. The switch imagecontrol system of claim 1 wherein application of said backlighting tosaid at least one first switch corresponds with an operational status ofsaid at least one first switch, and application of said backlighting tosaid at least one second switch corresponds to an operational status ofsaid at least one second switch.
 16. A switch image control system for avehicle, comprising: a first group of switches having first imagesviewable thereon when a backlighting is applied thereto, said firstgroup of switches corresponding to a first vehicle sub-system; and asecond group of switches having second images viewable thereon when saidbacklighting is applied thereto, said second group of switchescorresponding to a second vehicle sub-system, said backlighting appliedto one or both of said first group of switches and said second group ofswitches based on ignition state of the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of abackup power supply of the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of a lightingsystem of the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of an audio system of thevehicle, an ON or OFF state of a HVAC system, and an ON or OFF state ofa communication system of the vehicle.
 17. The switch image controlsystem of claim 16 wherein said first group of switches includes HVACcontrol switches and said first vehicle sub-system is an HVAC system,and wherein said second group of switches includes audio controlswitches and said second vehicle sub-system is an audio system.
 18. Theswitch image control system of claim 17 further including: an audiopower switch having a third image viewable when said backlighting isapplied to said audio power switch based on at least one of: saidignition state of the vehicle, said ON or OFF state of said backup powersupply of the vehicle, said ON or OFF state of said lighting system ofthe vehicle, said ON or OFF state of an audio system of the vehicle, anON or OFF state of a HVAC system, and said ON or OFF state of saidcommunication system of the vehicle.
 19. The switch image control systemof claim 18 wherein said backlighting is applied to each of said firstgroup of switches, said second group of switches and said audio powerbutton switch based on each of said ignition state of the vehicle, saidON or OFF state of said backup power supply of the vehicle, said ON orOFF state of a lighting system of the vehicle, said ON or OFF state ofsaid audio system of the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of a HVAC system,and said ON or OFF state of said communication system of the vehicle.20. A switch image control method for a vehicle, comprising: providingat least one first switch having a first image; providing at least onesecond switch having a second image; and selectively and independentlybacklighting one or both of said at least one first switch to illuminatesaid first image and said at least one second switch to illuminate saidsecond image based on at least one operating condition of the vehicle.21. The switch image control method of claim 20 wherein said at leastone operation condition of the vehicle includes at least one of: anignition state of the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of a backup powersupply of the vehicle, an ON or OFF state of a lighting system of thevehicle, an ON or OFF state of an audio system of the vehicle, an ON orOFF state of a HVAC system, and an ON or OFF state of a communicationsystem of the vehicle.
 22. The switch image control method of claim 20further including: providing an audio power switch having a third image;and selectively and independently backlighting said audio power switchto illuminate said third image based on said at least one operatingcondition of the vehicle.